"I found the stock Bridgestones to be pretty good even though most people here hate them. They’ve been good in the snow, great in the sand and I’m getting pretty good gas mileage as well."
I agree - pretty good in the snow and sand, but not on muddy clay banks pulling my heavy 16' jon boat out of the water. I got rid of them before 30k. Discount Tire gave me $20 each with the dried clay still on the sidewalls.
The Michelin Defenders are a big step up in every category and have 12/32" tread with a good pattern. Now I don't even spin a tire - not even a little - pulling the boat up the hill - 3 61-pound batteries, my 200-pound buddy, cooler, 8 bass rods, carpet, 2 nice seats, too many tackle boxes, etc.